Speeding is driving a sharp rise in penalty points across the UK, with figures revealing a 12% increase in just one year.
Motorists racked up 9.61 million penalty points in 2024, compared with 8.55 million in 2023, according to new DVLA data obtained by Co-op Insurance. The total has risen every year since 2021.
Speeding on public roads and motorways was once again the most common offence, followed by driving an uninsured vehicle.
Penalty points stay on a licence for four to eleven years, depending on the severity of the offence. Drivers who accumulate 12 or more points within three years usually face a driving ban of at least six months.
Most speeding cases result in a £100 fine and three penalty points, or a chance to attend a speed awareness course if one hasn’t been completed in the past three years.
AA president Edmund King described the rise as “worrying,” pointing to the growing number of speed camera detections. He said: “The increase is due to the boom in speed camera offences, and the fact that more repeat offenders can’t take another awareness course, so they’re receiving points instead.”
Home Office data backs this up - 2.71 million drivers were caught speeding in England and Wales in 2023, with 96% detected by cameras. That’s up from 1.49 million in 2011, when cameras accounted for 89% of cases.
Regional analysis found that drivers in the South West received the most points per capita, at 51 points per 1,000 people, while London had the fewest (35.2), just below Scotland (35.3).
Paul Evans, head of motor at Co-op Insurance, warned that accumulating points can have serious financial consequences:
“Points for speeding or driving uninsured can push up premiums and even lead to disqualification. We’re urging drivers to stay safe, stay insured, and avoid costly penalties.”
